Fayette, Mo. - The Central Methodist University football team sent its seniors out on a high note, as the Eagles defeated MidAmerica Nazarene on senior day, 45-2 Saturday afternoon at Davis Field. CMU honored its 2020 senior football class prior to kickoff.
With the win, Central concludes 2020 with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in the Heart South Division. MNU falls to 2-5 and 2-2 with one game remaining against Baker on Nov. 20 in Olathe, Kan. Today's win marks the first time that the Eagles have posted an above .500 season record since the 2014 campaign when they finished 6-5.
Central got on the board early in the first quarter after an MNU holding penalty in the endzone resulted in a safety and two points for CMU. On their next possession, freshman quarterback Paxton Delaurent found All-American wide receiver Katavious Taylor in the endzone for a 36-yard touchdown, putting the Eagles up 9-0 with 7:12 remaining in the first quarter.
The Pioneers' offense looked to gain traction on the following possession, driving down the field for 49-yards on nine plays to the Central 21. MNU lined up for a 38-yard field goal which was blocked by senior defensive lineman Will Miles to keep MidAmerica Nazarene off the scoreboard.
CMU's offense continued to eat up clock and drive down the field, driving 70-yards on 16 plays. Junior placekicker Samuel Petrin converted on a 23-yard field goal to conclude the drive and push Central's lead to 12-0 with 11:58 remaining in the half.
After both teams exchanged possessions, Petrin pinned the Pioneer offense at their own nine-yard line to set up the defense. Three plays later, the MNU quarterback lost possession of the ball, recovered it in his own endzone, and was tackled by senior defensive lineman Colton Skyles for CMU's second safety of the day.
The final Eagle possession of the first half saw Delaurant once again drive the offense down the field, finding Carelle Hill on 3rd down for an 11-yard touchdown with just seconds remaining. Central would enter the halftime break with a 24-0 lead over MNU.
The Eagles went to the running game early in the third quarter, relying on senior fullback Marques Crouch on their second drive. Crouch carried the ball a total of six times and capped the drive with his first rushing touchdown in a CMU uniform from five yards out. After Petrin's point-after attempt was converted, CMU held a 31-0 lead with 5:49 remaining in the third quarter. CMU scored again after Delaurant once again found Taylor for a 13-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth.
MNU scored two points after a snap sailed over the punter's head to the back of the endzone for a safety.
The final touchdown of the day came on a fumble recovery from linebacker Anthony Hernandez, who returned the fumble from 65-yards out for the score and sealing the 45-2 win over MNU.
Delaurant had a solid day in the pocket for Central, as the freshman completed 17 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 31 yards on nine carries. Taylor led the receiving core with 72-yards on four receptions. The All-American completes the 2020 season with a team-leading 44 receptions for 641 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Shawn Simmons led the rushing attack with 47 yards on 15 carries, followed by Crouch who added 43 yards on seven attempts including a long of 19 paired with a touchdown.
The defense was solid from start to finish, giving up only 211 yards of total offense including 47 yards through the air and three interceptions, two courtesy of Khari Henley, and one from John Tyler Polk. Hernandez led the linebacking core with 10 tackles including 0.5 for loss and a 65-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. London Chambers collected eight tackles and Will Miles added seven tackles including 3.5 for loss and two sacks.
Skyles concluded his final game in a CMU uniform with five tackles including 1.5 for loss, and a 1/2 sack.
CMU generated 353 total yards of offense compared to just 211 for the Pioneers.
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